RV 101™ Education with Mark Polk

RVing 101 - A Cool RV Destination

2012-02-12T07:58:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for an RV trip in 2012? Why not head to Branson Missouri. Campers rate the Branson KOA campground high in customer service, facilities and amenities.

Let’s head to Branson and see what the KOA has to offer.

The Branson KOA is located less than a mile from the entertainment strip. Have breakfast in the convention center, let the staff make your Branson show reservations, then relax in shuttles to your favorite show, shopping or dinner location. Branson is “the Show Capital of the World” featuring over 100 shows a day at 45 theatres offering every array of music and entertainment. You can find Country, Motown, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Broadway just to name a few.

Branson Landing’s Winter Wonder Landing doesn’t end after the holiday season, as the 100 shops and restaurants and the beautiful winter décor continue to warmly welcome guests visiting Branson Landing.

Facilities at the Branson KOA include more than 150 full-hookup 50-amp sites, cable TV and Wi-Fi, and rental units featuring camping cabins, cottages, and new lodges, many with bathrooms. Enjoy air-conditioned bathrooms and remodeled laundries. This KOA has Branson’s largest group and reunion facilities. Work with the event planner for catering, entertainment and transportation needs. The KOA Café features pizza, ice cream, homemade fudge, gifts, souvenirs and a large selection of RV parts and accessories. The new location puts you in the center of all the action.

There is plenty to do in Branson regardless of the time of year you go. Start planning your trip, load up the RV and head to the Branson KOA for some great camping and attractions in 2012.

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
RV Education 101
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RVing 101 - Do you Grease the Wheel Bearings on your Towable RV?

2012-02-11T08:51:00.001-05:00

Question: At what mileage or time interval should a travel trailer or 5^th wheel have the wheel bearings greased?

Mark's Answer: That’s a good question. Dexter axle recommends that along with bearing adjustment the wheel bearings should be inspected and lubricated every 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever comes first. Be sure and check your RV owner’s manual because I have seen intervals of 12 months or 5,000 miles as well.

Watch the below episode of Mark’s RV Garage, as I inspect and repack the bearings on our project trailer:

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk

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Copyright by Mark Polk owner of RV Education 101

A Fun Vintage Trailer Restoration Project with Mark Polk

2012-02-10T07:17:00.004-05:00

What do I consider to be a vintage trailer? Well, when you talk about vintage trailers lots of folks think about trailers that were built in the 30s, 40s or 50s, or they think about a particular brand name like airstream, Spartan or Prairie Schooner. I think any trailer you find today from the 30s through the 60s are classic vintage trailers. When I started to consider a vintage trailer restoration project I wasn’t as concerned about a name or era of time as I was about a finding a trailer with a good foundation at the right price.

I think there are lots of these old vintage trailers sitting around out there that can be found and restored back to a useable condition at a fairly reasonable cost. Find an old trailer that you like the looks of, or one that has some character. If you can find an old trailer with a semi solid structure at the right price and you like the way it looks it can make a fun vintage trailer restoration project. I say go for it, you only go around once, have some fun!

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk

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Is your RV an Orphan?

2012-02-09T09:22:00.002-05:00

RV 101-
Question: I’ve been trying to find information about orphan RVs and if they will be supported in some way or another. So far, I’ve come up with nothing concrete. In particular, I’m talking about Fleetwood Discovery, 2006-08 model years.

Marks Answer: An orphan RV is an RV that was built and sold and at some point after the sale the RV manufacturer went out of business , leaving the consumer with no warranty, parts or service network. Unfortunately this happened with lots of RV manufacturers across the country during the recession.

Orphan RV’s have been a problem for lots of RVers as more manufacturers have closed their doors. Fleetwood however will continue to support RV owners in warranty, parts and service. If a person owns a motorized Fleetwood product, built prior to the new Fleetwood ownership, warranty work and service work will be honored at current Fleetwood dealerships.

This isn’t to say they will all be happy to do the work (it’s sad but some dealerships don’t like to work on units they didn’t sell) but they are supposed to work on Fleetwood products. So, its safe to say there is a pretty strong network regardless of where your travels may take you.

One other thought is to consider a good service contract on the unit so it will still be covered after any factory warranty expires. Just do your home work and make sure it is a reputable company with a good network of dealers around the country who will honor the contract.

There are many orphaned RV owners who can’t get any support whatsoever and that is a sad fact, but motorized Fleetwood products do not fall into that category.

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk

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Copyright by Mark Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Toilet Chemicals Still Have Formaldehyde...REALLY?

2012-02-08T06:32:00.002-05:00

Question: Why do they still sell toilet chemicals with formaldehyde in them? I haven’t used them in years, but still see them on the shelves of reputable stores.

Mark Says: Some states like California have been fighting to ban using formaldehyde in holding tank chemicals. The reason manufacturer’s use it is because formaldehyde does a good job controlling odors.

I should start by addressing what many consider the problem to be with formaldehyde in holding tank chemicals. Certain chemical additives like formaldehyde can cause septic tank failures by killing the bacteria needed for a septic tank to operate properly. The way formaldehyde controls odors is by killing the bacteria that causes the odor. So it kills the bacteria in the RV holding tanks as it attempts to control odors.

When you empty your holding tank the formaldehyde also kills the bacteria used to breakdown the wastes in the septic tank. When this happens over a period of time, like at a campground the septic tank can’t operate properly and the septic system gets clogs resulting in health risks and high costs to repair the problem.

So, what can we as RVers do to help? Even though formaldehyde helps control odors you should use holding tank deodorizers that do not contain formaldehyde. Look for enzyme or citrus based products that are biodegradable for use in your RV or boat and pass the word along to other RVers..

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk

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Copyright by Mark Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Tire Tips - How To Determine Your RV Tire Pressure

2012-02-03T07:57:00.001-05:00

RV Tire QUESTION:

Mark, can you tell me the correct pressure that you should inflate a tire to before taking a road trip. My trailer tires say max psi 70lbs. I can't seem to get a straight answer from our local shops, and I want to make sure I don't overheat them. I do know to check them first thing before driving and before the sun hits them. Thanks for any information!

Mark's Answer:

It can be a bit confusing, but I'll try and explain. Tire manufacturers publish tire load and inflation tables for tires they manufacture. In a perfect world you would know what the actual load is being placed on the tires and could go to the load and inflation tables for precise inflation pressure.

Since we know this isn't always practical there are a couple of ways to help determine tire inflation pressure. On the front left corner of the travel trailer you will find a Federal Certification Tag or label. This label displays information on tire inflation pressure, GVWR and GAWR. The tire inflation you see on the label is based on what the trailer weighed when it was built. If no additional weight is placed on tires this inflation pressure is accurate, but we all add weight to the RV when we load it for a trip. The question is how much weight is added and the only answer to that is to have the RV weighed, preferably by individual wheel position.

The inflation pressure molded into the sidewall of the tire is the maximum amount of air pressure you would ever inflate the tire to if a full load was placed on the tire. You can find the tires max load range on the sidewall too.

What this means is, if the trailer tires are not overloaded the inflation pressure (depending on actual weights) is somewhere between what is posted on the certification label and molded in the tire sidewall. In other words in some cases it is possible to increase tire load capacity by increasing the inflation pressure in your tires, but you cannot exceed the maximum pressure specified on the sidewall of the tire. You can usually find load and inflation tables on the internet.

It’s also important that you use the same inflation pressure on both ends of each axle. If you weigh the RV and the tire loads are different on each axle end the load tables might require different inflation pressures. When this happens you need to redistribute the load. If the load can not be redistributed you would inflate both of the tires to that axle to the inflation pressure required for the tire with the heaviest load. Keep in mind that it cannot exceed the max tire pressure molded in the sidewall.

Here are a few general rules for tire inflation I like to use:

Never pull the trailer with tires inflated to less pressure than required for the load placed on the tires.
Never pull the trailer with tires inflated to less pressure than what is on the certification tag, no matter what the load.
Never inflate your tires above the maximum pressure shown on the tire sidewalls.

Happy RV Learning,
Mark Polk

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Find helpful experts who specialize in RV insurance

2012-01-03T08:09:00.011-05:00

Explorer RV Insurance Agency offers you more than just standard RV insurance for your RV.

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They have many value-added benefits unavailable through typical insurance agencies including total loss replacement, purchase price guarantees, personal effects coverage, awning replacement coverage, towing, and more.

Explorer RV Insurance Agency is a full-service agency that has established partnerships with leading carriers bringing you access to a wide range of specialty RV insurance products.

Get a free quote from Explorer who has the experience and expertise to design a custom RV Insurance program to meet the specialized needs of your RV lifestyle.

Polk’s Top 7 Reasons for Using a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

2011-11-06T07:35:00.000-05:00

I think most RV owners have heard stories about an RV that had a tire blowout at one time or another. Some of these tire blowout stories are worse than others, and hopefully if you ever experience a tire blowout it will result in little damage and no one will be hurt.

There is more educational material available now on RV tire care and maintenance than ever before. We are instructed to check and inflate our tires to the correct pressure for the load, not to overload the RV, to inspect our tires for signs of damage and/or excessive wear and to replace tires that show any evidence of damage and at regular intervals.

This is all great advice that should be adhered to, but it is impossible to know what kind of damage may have already occurred to the inside of a tire, and you have no way of knowing when the tire might fail. Another consideration is what might be happening to the tires on your tow or towed vehicle as you travel around the country. Several years ago I had a tire blowout on our towed vehicle and barely noticed it until the entire inner fender was destroyed before I could safely pull over and stop.

This brings me to the topic of today’s article, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). For many years I traveled in RVs without a TPMS. Looking back now I honestly can’t tell you why I didn’t get and use a TPMS sooner. During the time I didn’t use a TPMS I had one rear tire blowout and was fortunate to be traveling at a lower speed when it happened. Even at a lower speed it caused some damage to our motorhome. It wasn’t until we were planning a long RV trip that I decided it was time to look into a TPMS.

I would like to give you my top 7 reasons for using a TPMS on your RV and tow or towed vehicle tires:

1)Most Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems I researched were easy to install and easy to use.

2)It’s a quick and easy way to check the tire pressure in every tire before traveling each day. The TPMS I use is accurate to within 2.7%. That’s as accurate as many tire gauges.

3)You can monitor both the RV and the towed vehicle tires as you travel. That’s what I call piece of mind!

4)A TPMS has an alarm/warning system to notify you of a potential problem. Knowing when there is a potential problem with a tire can limit damage to the RV and quite possibly save lives.

5)My TPMS monitors tires for a loss in air pressure and for possible overheating too.

6)A TPMS can be cost effective. The cost of a decent TPMS can be equivalent to the price of a new motorhome tire, not to mention the damage a blowout can cause to the RV and/or the towed vehicle.

7)I don’t think I was ever as relaxed traveling in the RV as I am now with the TPMS onboard. Driving is much more enjoyable when you know what the tire pressure is at any given time, and the fact that you will be warned if a problem with the tires exists.

As I researched the topic I discovered many reputable companies offering a TPMS that will work on larger motorhome tires. Based on my particular needs and on what I wanted in a TPMS I decided on the Tire Minder, Model TMG 400C by Minder Research

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
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How-To Winterize your RV Water System in 7 Easy Steps

2011-11-04T09:19:00.004-04:00

It’s always sad to come to the realization that another camping season is winding down. Depending on where you live, part of this realization is preparing the RV for winter storage so it will be ready to go camping again next spring. A major part of winterizing your RV is to protect the RV water system from potential damage, caused by exposure to freezing temperatures.

RV Buzz Tip: Frozen and damaged water lines are in fact the most common problem related to not winterizing your RV, or not properly winterizing your RV.

The RV plumbing system is the most vulnerable system to damage caused by plummeting temperatures. The good news is, it is easy to protect the RV water system from this potential threat. Here are my top 7 steps to winterizing your RV plumbing system.

Before you get started there are a few items you will need to have. These items can be found in most RV parts stores:

1) Non-toxic RV/Marine antifreeze. The amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. Two to three gallons will normally do it.

2) A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.
3) A wand to clean out the black water holding tank if the RV doesn’t have a built-in black tank clean-out system.
4) A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the 12-volt water pump.
5) Basic hand tools to remove and install drain plugs.

Note: Be sure to read your RV owner’s manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow all steps below that apply to your RV.

Step # 1: If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting. Drain the fresh water holding tank. Drain and flush the gray and black water holding tanks. If the RV doesn’t have a built in tank flushing system clean the black tank out with a tank cleaning wand. Drain the water heater. Open the pressure relief valve and remove the drain plug.

RV Buzz Caution: Never drain the water heater when it is hot or under pressure. With no water hooked up to the RV and the water pump turned off open a hot water faucet to remove any pressure from the system. Allow the tank time to cool before draining.

Step # 2: Open all hot and cold faucets; don’t forget the toilet valve and outside shower. Locate and open the low point water drain lines. Use the water pump to help force most of the water out of the system, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained to prevent damaging the pump. Recap all drains and close all faucets.

Step # 3: By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with RV antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six or ten gallons of antifreeze.

Step # 4: Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank) and connect tubing from the water pump inlet into a one gallon jug of RV antifreeze.

Step # 5: Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet to the pump slowly open the hot and then cold valves until the pink colored RV antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required. Repeat on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away. Don’t forget the outside shower.

Step # 6: Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears. Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour some RV antifreeze in the toilet and flush into the holding tank to prevent any water in the tank from freezing. If your water heater has an electric heating element, turn it off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while in storage. Make sure all faucets are closed.

Step # 7: Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.

The unit is winterized. Now, next spring when it’s time to head out in the RV you won’t have any unpleasant, not to mention costly, surprises waiting for.

For more information on this topic check out our Winterizing & Storing your RV DVD.

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
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RV Poll Results (4th Installment)

2011-10-17T10:04:00.003-04:00

Every few months I like to post some of our previous RV poll results. I think it makes for some interesting reading. You can see how other RV enthusiasts responded to various RV related topics and it might make you consider an aspect about RVing you haven’t considered in the past. Keep in mind that these RV poll’s are only intended to give me some idea of what our newsletter readers are interested in, how they use their RVs, and of course just for fun.

RV Poll Question: What is your favorite season of the year to use your RV?
RV Poll Response: Spring 8%, Summer 25%, Fall 35%, Winter 3%, Year Round 28%

RV Poll Question: Have you ever had any plumbing lines freeze in your RV?
RV Poll Response: Yes 24%, No 76%

RV Poll Question: Do you treat the fuel system in your RV, or any other gasoline powered equipment, with a fuel preservative while sitting in storage?
RV Poll Response: Yes RV 11%, Yes other equipment 22%, Yes both RV & equipment 34%, No 25%, NA 8%

RV Poll Question: Do you travel in your RV with the propane cylinders, or tank, turned on or turned off?
RV Poll Response: Turned on 73%, Turned off 27%

RV Poll Question: Do you plan to use your RV more in 2011 than you did in 2010?
RV Poll Response: Yes 73%, No 22%, New RV owner in 2011 5%

RV Poll Question: I purchased my first RV from:
RV Poll Response: Dealer 59%, Private owner 35%, Family member 2%, Friend 3%, Given to me 1%

RV Poll Question: Do the passengers in your motorhome wear seatbelts while traveling?
RV Poll Response: All passengers 79%, No passengers 19%, Kids only 3%

RV Poll Question: After winter RV storage, how do you prepare your RV for travel and camping?
RV Poll Response: Do it myself 92%, Pay to have it done 4%, Get in it and go 4%

RV Poll Question: Has your RV ever been broken into?
RV Poll Response: Yes while traveling 1%, Yes while stored 7%, Yes at campground 2%, No never 91%

RV Poll Question: Do you primarily watch TV shows on your television or on your computer?
RV Poll Response: Computer 4%, TV 96%

RV Poll Question: During an RV trip, do you watch television or do you leave the remote at home?
RV Poll Response: Watch some TV on RV trips 74%, Watch a lot of TV on RV trips 13%, Leave remote at home 13%

RV Poll Question: How many e-newsletters do you subscribe to?
RV Poll Response: 1-2 24%, 3-5 43%, 5 or more 33%

RV Poll Question: Are you happy with your current RV, or would you prefer a different type or size?
RV Poll Response: Happy with current RV 70%, Prefer different size or type RV 30%

RV Poll Question: Do you have trouble with RV odors from the holding tanks?
RV Poll Answer: Yes 19%, No 81%

RV Poll Question: How do you adjust tire pressure when traveling by RV?
RV Poll Response: I carry a portable air compressor 70%, Drive to nearest service center with air support 30%

To read more RV poll results visit these links:

Some Interesting RV Poll Results

More Interesting RV Poll Results

RV Poll Results (3rd Installment)

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
RV Education 101
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RV Poll Results (3rd Installment)

2011-10-17T09:56:00.000-04:00

It’s always interesting and fun to look back at some of our past RV polls to see how folks responded to the questions.

Keep in mind that the outcome of any poll depends on several factors like; what type of poll it is, how the questions are worded, who is asking the questions and of course who does and does not participate in the poll. Our weekly RV poll is not a scientific poll, a political poll or a marketing poll. It is basically used to give me some idea of what our newsletter readers are interested in, how they use their RVs, and of course just for fun.

Here are the latest RV poll results:

Poll Question: Do you use the shower at the campground bath-house more than the shower in your RV?
Poll Response: 41% answered yes and 59% answered no.

Poll Question: Do you RV during the fall and winter months?
Poll Response: 84% do and 16% do not.

Poll Question: Do you winterize your RV, or do you have an RV dealer winterize it for you?
Poll Response: 88% winterize their own RV and 12% do not.

Poll Question: Do you take bottled water with you when RVing, or do you filter your drinking water?
Poll Response: 32% take bottled water, 15% filter their water and 53% do both.

Poll Question: Do you store your RV on your property or at a storage facility?
Poll Response: 70% store it on their property and 30% store it at a storage facility.

Poll Question: Do you RV with pets?
Poll Response: 91% do and 9% do not.

Poll Question: How often do you wash your RV?
Poll Response: 29% after each trip, 7% before putting in storage, 3% never and 61% as needed

Poll Question: Do you pack most of your food before leaving on a trip or buy your groceries when you arrive at your destination?
Poll Response: 72% pack most food before leaving and 28% buy food when they get there.

Poll Question: Have you ever weighed your RV?
Poll Response: 36% have and 64% have not.

Poll Question: How many years has your RV battery(s) lasted? (1 to 2, 2 to 3, 4 or more)
Poll Response: 15% 1 to 2 years, 39% 2 to 3 years and 46% 4 0r more years.

Poll Question: Do you perform your own routine maintenance on your RV?
Poll Response: 78% yes and 22% no.

Poll Question: Have you ever cleaned your RV roof?
Poll Results: 84% have and 16% have not.

Poll Question: Have you ever dry-camped in your RV? (camping without hookups)
Poll Response: 73% answered yes and 27% answered no

Poll Question: Have you ever camped in a national or state park?
Poll Response: 80% have and 20% have not

Poll Question: Have you ever had a rodent problem with your RV?
Poll Response: 30% answered yes and 70% answered no.

Poll Question: Have you ever spent the night in a Wal-Mart parking lot?
Poll Response: 48% have and 52% have not.

Poll Question: When traveling by RV how often do you connect to the Internet? (every day, 2 or more times a week)
Poll Response: 69% responded every day and 31% responded 2 or more times a week

Poll Question: Who drives or tows the RV the most? (male, female, I travel alone)
Poll Response: 92% male, 4% female, 4% I travel alone

Poll Question: Did your RV come with a spare tire?
Poll Response: 73% yes and 27% no

Poll Question: Do you make advanced campground reservations?
Poll Response: 84% yes and 16% no.

Poll Question: Do you see closing state parks as a feasible method to decrease state budgets?
Poll Response: 10% said yes and 90% said no.

Poll Question: Is your RV financed?
Poll Response: 56% yes and 44% no

Poll Question: Do you have an RV Emergency Roadside Service Plan?
Poll Response: 84% do and 16% do not

Poll Question: On average, how many miles a day do you travel in, or tow your RV? (200 or less, 300, 400, 500 or more)
Poll Response: 18% 200 or less, 46% 300 miles, 27% 400 miles and 9% 500 or more.

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
RV Education 101
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More Interesting RV Poll Results

2011-10-17T09:50:00.001-04:00

Several months ago I put an article together showing the results of our weekly e-newsletter RV polls. I find it interesting to review these poll results occasionally, and think many other RVers find the poll results of a targeted RV audience interesting too. Of course the outcome of any poll depends on several factors like what type of poll it is, how the questions are presented, who is asking the questions and of course who does and does not participate in the poll.

Our weekly RV poll is not a scientific poll, a political poll or a marketing poll. It is basically used to give me some idea of what our newsletter readers are interested in, how they use their RVs and just for the fun of it.

So, here is a look back at some past polls and how the participants responded.

■ 30% of the participants have experienced problems with rodent control in their RV’s and 70% have not.

■48% have spent a night in a Wal-Mart parking lot and 52% have not. Of those, 58% asked permission to stay in the Wal-Mart parking lot and 42% did not.

■68% connect to the internet every day when traveling by RV and 32% do not. 82% experience trouble getting an internet connection on the road and 16% do not. 58% of the respondents depend on free Wi-Fi to connect, 27% used a wireless card to connect and 15% relied on other methods like paid Wi-Fi, cell phones and satellite service.

■When asked who drove the most 92% responded male, 5% female, 1% female traveling alone and 2% male traveling alone.

■74% said their RV came with a spare tire and 26 % did not get a spare when they purchased their RV.

■84% make campground reservations in advance and 16% do not.

■9% of respondents see closing state parks as a way to decrease state budgets and 91% do not.

■ 55% are currently financing their RV and 45% are not. 51% of those financed think they owe more than the RV is worth and 49% do not think they owe more than the RV is worth.

■85% of participants have an Emergency Roadside Service (ERS) plan and 15% do not.

■18% travel 200 miles or less per day during RV trips, 47% average 300 miles per day, 26% average 400 miles per day and 9% travel 500 or more miles per day.

■54% own motorized RV’s and 46% own towable RV’s.

■94% use rest stops along the way when traveling by RV and 6% do not.

■At one time or another 35% of respondents have had a damaged RV holding tank waste valve and 65% never have. Of those with damaged waste valves 58% repaired it themselves and 42% did not attempt repairs.

■36% use some type of digital line monitor to monitor campground electricity and 65% do not. 40% always test the campground wiring prior to plugging the RV in and 60% do not.

■82% check the tire pressure before each trip and 18% don’t.

■58% use checklists to perform maintenance and routine tasks on their RV and 42% do not.

■12% of the respondents have work camped before and 88% have not.

■90% said they use environmentally friendly holding tank chemicals and 10% don’t.

■63% use their RV in the winter and 37% don’t.

■70% have stayed in a friends or relatives driveway before and 30% have not.

■19% frequently stay at state or federal campgrounds, 34% stay at private campgrounds, 5% stay at public campgrounds and 42% stay at a combination of all three.

■67% use a pre-departure checklist when they RV and 33% don’t.

■98% have one or more slide outs on their RV and 2% don’t have any slide outs.

Well that brings us up to date on the poll results. When we gather more results I will keep you posted.

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
RV Education 101
RV University
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Go for the RV Gold
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Pre-winter RV Checks for the RV Consumer

2011-10-04T07:19:00.001-04:00

As we head toward colder temperatures, I would like to suggest a few preventive maintenance checks to prepare your RV for the fall and winter camping seasons. Please don’t confuse these checks with winterizing your RV or preparing it for winter storage.

In no particular order, here are my top 7 pre-winter RV checks:
1. Inspect your RV batteries

Check all battery connections for secure mounting. Clean the batteries with a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water, if necessary. If you have lead-acid batteries, check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water, if necessary. Many older converter chargers provide a constant charge of approximately 13.5 volts, which is too high for fully-charged batteries and can cause the electrolyte to boiled off, resulting in an early death for the batteries.

Check water levels weekly, at a minimum, when using the RV. Test the battery state-of-charge and charge any batteries that are at or below 80 percent. A discharged or partially-charged battery will freeze much faster than a fully-charged battery. Use a digital voltmeter to measure voltage and get a quick picture of the batteries’ depth of discharge. If you don’t feel comfortable working on or around batteries, have a reputable RV service center perform battery maintenance for you.

Note: A 12-volt battery that is charged should read 12.5 to 12.7 volts. Readings less than 12.5 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged. A 6-volt battery that is charged should read 6.25 to 6.37 volts. Readings below 6.25 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged.

2. Test automotive antifreeze

The antifreeze in your tow vehicle or motorhome radiator should always have a 50- to 70-percent concentration of antifreeze to water. Water does a good job helping to cool an engine but it freezes quickly during cold winter temperatures. Water can also cause certain metals to rust and corrode over time. The proper concentration of antifreeze is necessary to provide freeze protection and chemical protection against corrosion.

To test the antifreeze, use quality test strips, a float-type hydrometer or a refractometer. A refractometer is the most accurate testing device.

Inspect all coolant hoses for signs of damage or leaks. Coolant hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Inspect all hoses for wear, cracks, soft spots, brittle areas and leaks. Inspect hose clamps for secure mounting and replace any damaged coolant hoses or clamps as required

3. Use a fuel stabilizer product like STA-BIL

Fuel stabilizers provide excellent protection against stale fuel during periods of storage. They contain corrosion inhibitors, remove water and help to clean fuel injectors. There are fuel stabilizers designed for use with gasoline and diesel engines. I use a fuel stabilizer in gas-powered lawn equipment, ATVs, boats, motorcycles and RVs.

4. Furnace checkup

One LP-gas appliance that gets overlooked during warm weather is the forced-air furnace. Most service requirements for the furnace need to be accomplished by a reputable RV service center, but there are a few things the owner can do to prepare the furnace for cold-weather operation.

The battery plays an important role in the proper operation of the furnace. Keeping lead-acid batteries watered and fully charged will prevent many furnace-related problems. Inspect furnace ducting that is above floor level for damage, such as crushed ducting or obstructions that could affect furnace operation. Make sure the furnace air return is not blocked or restricted. Test the operation of the furnace before the day arrives when you actually need it. Have a certified technician test your LP-gas system annually for proper appliance operating pressure and leaks.

5. Inspect all safety devices and replace all dry-cell batteries

Carbon monoxide is deadly. Test the CO detector, LP-gas leak detector and smoke alarm for proper operation every time you use your RV. Instruct individuals on symptoms and what to do if they are exposed to carbon monoxide or if they hear LP-gas leak detector alarms. Replace all dry-cell batteries when you change the settings on your clocks in the spring and fall. Make sure you have a charged fire extinguisher on hand and that you and other adults know how to operate it.

6. Clean, inspect and reseal your roof as necessary

Not that this is directly related to fall or winter use, but I like to inspect the roof twice a year, at a minimum, and I think spring and fall are good times of the year to make these checks.

Note: Exercise caution any time you work on the roof of your motorhome. The roof surface can be slippery and a fall can result in serious injury, or worse.

Clean your roof with an approved cleaner for the type of roofing material your motorhome has. Every time you clean the roof, inspect the sealants around all of the openings and the seams on the roof. Water will take the path of least resistance, and if there is the smallest opening, it will find it. Thoroughly inspect the roof sealants for potential leaks and reseal any areas of the roof seams and around openings where you suspect a leak. Make sure you use sealants compatible with your roofing material. Keep in mind that your warranty can be voided if you fail to perform some of these required inspections. Check your motorhome owner’s manual for roof inspection intervals.

7. Plan for non-use

If you don’t plan to use your RV over the fall and winter months, winterize the plumbing system to prevent freezing. Prepare all other systems for short or long-term storage.

Check out our Winterizing & Storing DVD
Winterizing & Storing E-book

Happy RV Learning,

Mark Polk
RV Education 101
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RV University t-shirts

2011-10-03T10:25:00.000-04:00

Want to buy an RV University t-shirt, hat or mug? Come visit our store on CafePress!

Mark's RV Garage Season 1 Finale for the RV Consumer

2011-09-26T11:18:00.003-04:00

RV 101- RV Education 101 Tips for Improving Fuel Economy for the RV Consumer

2011-08-15T10:08:00.002-04:00

Mark Polk, founder of RV Education 101 stated, “If there were 7 easy steps you could take to improve fuel economy in your RV and automobiles would you do it? Of course you would! So here they are:”

1) Check and replace your air filter if it’s dirty. A clean air filter can improve your fuel economy up to 10%.

2) Check and adjust your tire pressure to the proper pressure for the load. This alone can increase fuel economy by 3%, not to mention preventing premature tire wear and failures caused by over or under-inflated tires. Tires can look normal when they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air pressure gauge and check your tires when they are cold, before traveling more than one mile.

3) For every 5mph you travel over 60mph is equivalent to paying ten cents more per gallon at the pump. If you are traveling down the Interstate at 70 mph add twenty cents to the price at the pump! Speeding and rapid acceleration reduces fuel economy anywhere from 5 to 33% depending on your individual driving habits.

4) Keep your vehicles tuned up and in top running condition. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy by 10 to 20%. Poor emissions and/or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause up to 40% reduction in fuel economy.

5) Following recommended service and maintenance schedules/intervals will save a significant amount of fuel.

6) Using synthetic oils can increase fuel economy by 2%.

7) Adding weight that you don’t need reduces fuel economy significantly. A friend once told me, if you haven’t used it in the last 6 months you don’t need it!

See, it really is easy to improve our fuel economy. Try following these 7 easy steps to improve your fuel economy. You, and your wallet, will be glad you did.

For more RV 101 educational information visit http://www.rveducation101.com/ and http://www.rvconsumer.com/

RV Education 101: The Largest Online Digital RV Training Provider

2011-07-25T08:36:00.002-04:00

RV Education 101: The Largest Online Digital RV Training Provider

Learning RVs the Easy Way by RV E-Learning

Your premier online source for RV education! Mark Polk, the RV Savvy Guy and founder of RV Ed 101,
is recognized as THE foremost authority on professional RV training material. Mark will walk you through a comprehensive selection of online training programs that will simplify your personal RV training needs.

RV information where you want it, when you want it! It’s as easy as…

http://goforthervgold.com/

Go For The RV Gold

Comprehensive self-paced RV training
Over 45 RV videos, 50 RV articles & more…
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http://rvorientation.com/

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Mark’s RV Garage Internet TV Series

Telly Award Winning RV entertainment
Each episode of this hit series provides valuable RV information!

Mark's RV Garage Internet TV Show Series - Episode #12

2011-07-11T10:47:00.000-04:00

Mark's RV Garage Internet TV Show Series - Episode #11

2011-07-11T10:45:00.000-04:00

Mark's RV Garage Internet TV Show Series - Episode #10

2011-06-13T11:25:00.000-04:00

"Mark's RV Garage" Internet TV Series by RV Education 101 wins the 2011 Telly Award

2011-06-12T08:27:00.000-04:00

"Mark's RV Garage" Internet TV Series by RV Education 101 wins the 2011 Telly Award!

The Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web.

The Minder Research, Inc. - Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

2011-06-09T15:01:00.001-04:00

Visit the TireMinder® Wireless TPMS Systems website HERE

RV Series TV Show "Mark's RV Garage" Episode #9

2011-05-30T08:38:00.001-04:00

Mark's RV Garage Episode #8

2011-05-16T12:31:00.002-04:00

Mark's RV Garage Episode #7

2011-05-02T13:01:00.000-04:00

On this episode:

* Mark & Tyler start putting the interior walls back in the vintage trailer restoration project and add new vinyl flooring.

* Learn how to install a Dirt Devil central vacuum cleaner in your RV.

* Find out what the difference is between modified sine wave and pure sine wave inverters.

* Discover all of the fun things to do and places to visit when you stay at the Nigara Falls North KOA.

* Learn some great tips and techniques to help with backing a 5th wheel trailer.

All of this and more on this episode of Mark's RV Garage.

Episodes of Mark's RV Garage are easy to embed the YouTube video on your blog, Facebook or website….please help us spread the word!

Archives of Mark's RV Garage http://rvvideosondemand.com/?page_id=307

RV 101™ Education with Mark Polk

RVing 101 - A Cool RV Destination

RVing 101 - Do you Grease the Wheel Bearings on your Towable RV?

A Fun Vintage Trailer Restoration Project with Mark Polk

Is your RV an Orphan?

RV Toilet Chemicals Still Have Formaldehyde...REALLY?

RV Tire Tips - How To Determine Your RV Tire Pressure

Find helpful experts who specialize in RV insurance

Polk’s Top 7 Reasons for Using a Tire Pressure Monitoring System

How-To Winterize your RV Water System in 7 Easy Steps

RV Poll Results (4th Installment)

RV Poll Results (3rd Installment)

More Interesting RV Poll Results

Pre-winter RV Checks for the RV Consumer

RV University t-shirts

Mark's RV Garage Season 1 Finale for the RV Consumer

RV 101- RV Education 101 Tips for Improving Fuel Economy for the RV Consumer

RV Education 101: The Largest Online Digital RV Training Provider

RV information where you want it, when you want it! It’s as easy as…

﻿ http://rvorientation.com/﻿ ﻿ The RV Walk Through Orientation ﻿﻿﻿

Mark's RV Garage Internet TV Show Series - Episode #12

Mark's RV Garage Internet TV Show Series - Episode #11

Mark's RV Garage Internet TV Show Series - Episode #10

"Mark's RV Garage" Internet TV Series by RV Education 101 wins the 2011 Telly Award

The Minder Research, Inc. - Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

RV Series TV Show "Mark's RV Garage" Episode #9

Mark's RV Garage Episode #8

Mark's RV Garage Episode #7

http://rvorientation.com/

The RV Walk Through Orientation